[Elecraft] [KX3] Screwdriver Antenna Tuning ??

[Phil Hystad]

Wayne,

Thanks for the quick response.  Would the KX3 control interface be command oriented or some voltage controlled signaling interface?  Also, in asking this question I am stretching my understanding of how such an interface would work so if I am off base I welcome correction.

73, phil, K7PEH


On May 27, 2011, at 9:22 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> We've already provided the needed hardware for this in the KX3, so an interface could be supported. It may take some time to add the needed control firmware.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> On May 27, 2011, at 8:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> 
>> The KX3 surely looks like a nice mobile rig that may replace my IC-706....
>> 
>> But, I would need a good screwdriver antenna tuning interface.  Currently, I use the Turbo-Tuner by N2VZ which is fitted to the IC-706 tune control.  I have a Hi-Q 4/80 antenna mounted on my pickup truck.
>> 
>> So, several questions:
>> 
>> 1.  Would there be a tune control interface on the KX3?
>> 2.  Would Elecraft consider building a screwdriver antenna interface?
>> 
>> Just to be clear on what I mean by screwdriver antenna interface --- a device that uses the transmitter's tune control circuit to switch on a low power signal and measure the SWR (usually via reflected voltage) and switch on the screwdriver antenna drive motor adjusting the center loading coil tap until a minimum SWR (under 1.5:1) is reached where it turns off the drive motor and turns off the transmitter's low power signal.
>> 
>> I guess if Elecraft did not come out with a screwdriver antenna interface that some talented electronics guru on this forum might do so.
>> 
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>> 
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